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The Avon Pirates saw their remarkable season come to an end at the DakotaDome last Thursday, falling 6–54 to the St. Mary Cardinals in the State Football Championship. Early miscues put Avon in a difficult position, as a string of first-quarter fumbles set up quick scoring opportunities for St. Mary and a fast 0–30 deficit. Avon showed resilience in the second quarter, tightening up defensively while Easton Sees capped a determined drive with a 1-yard touchdown run to cut the gap to 6–30 at halftime. However, the Pirates were unable to add to the scoreboard after the break as the Cardinals extended their lead. Sees led the Pirates on the ground with 47 rushing yards and the team’s lone touchdown. Trenton Soukup added 32 yards, followed by Weston Bierema with 25, Treyvan Talsma with 24, Cale Cooper with 12, Al’Shamon Gunter with 11, Zander Fathke with 4, and Grayson Ratzlaff with 2. Defensively, Gunter tallied 4 tackles and 4 assists, while Braylon Fathke recorded 4 tackles, 3 assists, and an interception. Bierema added 3 tackles and 6 assists, and Jaime Pelton contributed 3 tackles, 1 assist, and a tackle for loss. Dominic Doom posted 2 tackles, 4 assists, a sack, and a tackle for loss. Additional key defensive efforts came from Randall Powers, Mason Jolley, Cale Cooper, Zander Fathke, Brenson Ratzlaff, Sean Schryvers, and Beau Tolsma. Sees also recovered a fumble. Despite the challenging final score, the Pirates ended their season with grit, unity, and determination—qualities that define a team worthy of recognition. Great season Pirates, we are all so proud of you!